Wellbeing

Living Smart with Wellbeing

"Always leave enough time in your life to do something that makes you happy, satisfied, even joyous. That has more of an effect on economic well-being than any other single factor." Paul Hawken

"A child in a state of wellbeing is like a fish in water." Goldspink

Well-being is most usefully thought of as the dynamic process that gives people a sense of how their lives are going, through the interaction between their circumstances, activities and psychological resources or mental capital.

The concept of well-being comprises two main elements: feeling good and functioning well. Feelings of happiness, contentment, enjoyment, curiosity and engagement are characteristic of someone who has a positive experience of their life. Equally important for well-being is our functioning in the world. Experiencing positive relationships, having some control over your life and having a sense of purpose are all important attributes of wellbeing.

Because of this dynamic nature, high levels of well-being mean that we are more able to respond to difficult circumstances, to innovate and constructively engage with other people and the world around us. As well as representing a highly effective way of bringing about good outcomes in many different areas our lives, there is also a strong case for regarding well-being as an ultimate goal of human endeavour.

The ecosystem is the fundamental capital on which all life is dependent (Suzuki 1990). Because our water quality and quantity, air quality, economic vitality, and personal wellbeing are as dependent on natural resources as they are on transportation, communications, and public safety systems, protecting ecosystems by Living Smart is essential to promoting and protecting personal and community wellbeing.

This research is taken from the Foresight project Mental Capital and Wellbeing published in October 2008.

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